[ale] Programming Question - Where to Start

[hirsch at zapmedia.com]

Byron, you took the words right out of my mouth.  Perl is not a good
first language.  Python is a great first language.  From Python, I'd
then try java and sh.  Then you might be ready for perl.

--Michael

Byron A Jeff writes:
 > > 
 > > I am ready to admit that I need to acquire some basic programming skills,
 > > and believe that Perl is probably the best place to start.
 > 
 > Probably not. Perl is a very eclectic language that pulls from a bunch of
 > other Unix style languages (C, awk, sed, shell). So if you're not in the
 > know about Perl's lineage, it can be very crypic and confusing.
 > 
 > > 
 > > I have done some very basic high-level 'programming', in the form of PAL
 > > (Paradox App Lang) scripting a long time ago, and more recently some
 > > Filemake Pro scripting, but in no way consider myself to be a programmer.  I
 > > have peeked at some Perl scripts, and am mystified by what I see.
 > 
 > That's exactly the point I was trying to make about Perl.
 > 
 > > 
 > > So, my question is, where shouod I start?  Is there a good book for absolute
 > > beginners, that won't assume that I know a bunch of stuff that I don't?
 > > Should I take a class?  Both?  I was planning on finding a good book for
 > > beginners, worky my way through that, then once I know enough to be
 > > dangerous, see if I can find a class.
 > 
 > Take a look at Python. It's simple, straightforward, and highly structured.
 > It's a good first language. And a powerful everyday language.
 > 
 > BAJ
 > 
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